Every Day

Hozugawa Kudari River Run The Hozugawa Kudari is a river ride that goes from Kameoka to Arashiyama, Kyoto (about 16 km in 2 hours) along a stunning river gorge of rapids with wonderful mountain views; Boats depart every hour between 9:00-15:30 (the last boat departs at 15:30). *Operated irregularly on Sat., Sun., National holidays. Tickets: 4,100 yen; Access: An 8-min. walk from the north exit of JR Sagano Line Kameoka Stn.; Hozugawa Yusen Association: Tel: 0771-22-5846; www.hozugawakudari.jp

Every Day

Tour around the Sake Brewery Town Fushimi Jukkoku-bune Boat Ride Jukkoku-bune is a boat that carried sake, rice and passengers on the Yodo River in the Edo period (1600-1868). The revived boat carries 15 passengers and the tour takes about 55-mins. round trip and runs in the Uji River where willow trees and sake breweries are making a great scenery. These special boats depart from the back of Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Museum to the Fushimi Port Park. Tickets: 1,200 yen, 600 yen (6-12 years old), 300 yen (5 years and younger); 10:00-16:20;

No service on Monday between June and September (available if Monday is a national holiday); Access: Kintetsu Line, Momoyama goryo-mae Stn., or Keihan Line, Chushojima Stn.; Tel: 075-623-1030; kyoto-fushimi-kanko.jp/ship/

Early June – Early July Hydrangea Festival at Fujinomori Shrine

The whole precinct of the shrine will be filled with colorful hydrangea flowers; Special ceremony will be held from 10:00 on the 15th (traditional dance and music performances & kemari ancient ball game). Entry: 300 yen; 9:00-16:00; Access: A 5-min. walk from JR Fujinomori Stn. or Keihan Sumizome Stn.; Tel: 075-641-1045; www.fujinomorijinjya.or.jp

Temple & Shrine Flea Markets

June 5 To-Ji Temple: This market is focused on antiques of all kinds; Usually not too crowded and great value all around; 7:00-16:00.

June 5 & 26 Kyoto City Hall: A big public flea market; 10:00-16:00; In case of rain, it will be held on June 12 & July 3.

June 8, 18, 28 Toyokuni Shrine: A very small market of local products; 10:00-15:00.

June 12 Bishamon-do in Kennin-ji Temple: Known as Tora-ichi, this market specializes in handicrafts & arts; 10:00-16:00.

June 15 Chion-ji Temple: Kyoto’s biggest handicraft market; An absolutely amazing range of handmade things and incredible prices too!; 8:00-16:00.

June 21 To-ji Temple: Also known as Kobo-san, this mega temple market offers everything and is extremely popular; Go early, especially if on a weekend or a national holiday; 7:00-17:00.

June 25 Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine: Also known as Tenjin-san, this super shrine market sprawls in and around this major shrine complex; 7:00-16:30.

June 26 Kamigamo Shrine: Handicrafts, arts, food, and more; 9:00-16:00.